Tiara- Part Two

by Robin Roseau

  “No, Princess Darfelsa,” he replied. “I may directly assign your staff, Your Highness?”

  “Yes, you may.”

  “Ms. Pelonden,” he said immediately. “I would like you to step outside and relieve Ms. Messen. You will collect information, and then later, you will help organize the petitioners remaining in the hall outside.”

  “I understand, Mr. Grovish.”

  “Renishta,” I added. “I’m going to want you inside next week, so think about how we’re going to do the duties you’re doing today.”

  “We’re going to have to borrow people.”

  “Then you’ll have to find someone for us,” I said.

  “I understand, Your Highness.” I nodded to her, and she headed for the doors.

  After that, Mr. Grovish saw to the details. I stood back, watching. I’d never paid attention to things from this side, but it wasn’t that different from the sort of thing I’d helped to do in Charth.

  Mr. Grovish was good, but I thought I was better. He wasn’t as good as I would have preferred at anticipating problems, and it was actually Shalendra who asked a few very important questions, heading off the problems that would have lingered otherwise.

  But then he turned to me. “I don’t know how much authority I have.”

  “What do you need?”

  “I think it’s time to open the doors. I’m fairly sure I don’t have the authority to make that order.”

  “Does Mr. Marshdown?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well then, I imagine you do as well, but would you like me to take care of it?” I saw the relief in his face, and in that, I realized how incredibly nervous he was. I smiled. “I’ll take care of it. Mr. Grovish.” I gestured. “You rule this room. Not my sister. Not me. And my father isn’t even here. You rule this room. Tell me what you want.”

  “Princess, would you please open the doors and invite people to enter? And I don’t know how to signal Princess Ahlianna.”

  “You know what? Neither do I. I’ve always just followed Father. But I bet one of those two know.” I gestured to Father’s staff.

  “We send someone when we open the doors,” one of them said. “The most ranking person who doesn’t have immediate duties.”

  “I can go,” said Terla.

  “Do you know the back routes?” Mr. Grovish asked. “The princess said she would be in her quarters.”

  “Yes, Mr. Grovish.”

  “Please inform the princess we are about to open the doors, then return here.”

  “Consider it done.”

  She went one way. I nodded to Mr. Grovish and then turned to the public doors. Two guards waited. That’s when I stopped and looked around. “Mr. Grovish.” I turned. “There’s no herald.”

  “Herald?”

  “I’ll do it,” I said. “But I need…” I trailed off. “Sergeant Felist, I need that halberd.” I pointed.

  “You blokes heard the princess,” said the Sergeant. “Get that down before we open the doors.”

  People scrambled. The halberd hung on hooks over the door, far too high for me to reach. It was actually interesting to watch two of the tallest guards in the room scramble to get it down. But then Sergeant Felist laughed, grabbed Selzen, and then four of the guards hoisted her up to grab the weapon. She nearly dropped it on their heads, and might have if Sergeant Felist hadn’t been waiting for just that. She took the weapon then helped Selzen back down. Then she turned to me and held it out.

  I took it from her, surprised by the weight. But I tipped it upright, the sharp end pointing to the ceiling, and then gave it a good bang against the floor. “Perfect,” I said.

  “You’re going to get a workout. I can find something closer to your size.”

  “I’m fine,” I said. “Maybe I should just stamp my foot.”

  “Very lady-like.”

  “Please have these doors opened.”

  * * * *

  I looked out at all the people. Those nearest turned to face me. I was recognized, in spite of my clothing. I banged the halberd three times. “To all ye gathered here,” I called. “Enter and be welcome.” And then, without waiting, I turned and walked to the dais. From there, I waited as the audience entered, turned sideways so I could watch the doors where Ahlianna would enter.

  I was rather surprised. Maybe I shouldn’t have been, but I was, as the room filled with at least as many people as might appear when Father held Open Court, and I thought there might be more.

  It wasn’t a long wait. I caught a clear signal from the guards at the door. I nodded to them, and then I banged the halberd three times. “Hear ye!” I called out. “Hear ye! Please welcome Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Ahlianna Cinnabar, Daughter of Leander and Ralifta Cinnabar, my sister, and our future queen! With her today is her escort, our friend, Almon Crayvre.”

  I didn’t need to prompt them further. They went crazy. And then Ahlianna appeared, dressed quite elegantly, and they grew even louder.

  And in one glance, I could tell she was terrified. And so I stepped down from the dais as she stepped up the back. As the crown princess roamed the dais, I stepped to the side and handed my halberd to one of the waiting guards. “I’ll need this later,” I said into his ear.

  “We’ll keep it for you, Princess,” he said.

  I patted his cheek and turned back. Ahlianna was standing still, in front her throne, with my chair waiting for Almon. The crowd was still cheering, and I used the opportunity to climb the stairs, offering my sister a deep, formal curtsey, but then standing and moving to her for a tight hug.

  It wasn’t part of the plan, but she accepted it, and when I could, I whispered, “I have complete faith in you, Sister, but I’ll be right here, too. Your staff is here. My staff is here. I’m so proud to be your little sister.”

  “When did you grow up so much?” she asked. “I love you, Darfelsa.”

  “I love you, too, Sister. Say something nice, and by the time you’re done, I’ll have your first petitioner.”

  I kissed her cheek and then stepped away. I didn’t offer another curtsey. Instead I descended the stairs and moved to the side. Ms. Messen had the list for me, and I took it from her with a nod.

  * * * *

  Did the day go as smoothly as Father’s typically did? No. We were all learning our jobs. I was no more perfect than anyone else. I’m going to offer details from my own Open Court the next week, so I’ll say little more than this. It went well. Ahlianna was able to listen to every petitioner on her list. And she handled her responsibilities very well.

  I was very proud of her.

  As for Shalendra, she was quiet, and I didn’t ask about it.

  My Open Court

  I was nervous, but Shalendra was far worse, and as we waited, I turned to her. “You don’t have to go down with me.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “No, Shalendra.”

  She turned fully to me. “Yes, Darfelsa, unless I’m offering to remove myself from contention.”

  “You’ll be fine.”

  “Almon didn’t do a thing all day. He didn’t say a word.”

  “He and Ahlianna spoke quietly a few times, but Ahlianna was nervous, as nervous as I’ve ever seen her, and she didn’t have enough of her own wits to include him.” I smiled. “I’m nervous, but not as nervous. This is a chance for people to get to know you a little bit, too, and that’s important.”

  “I know. You asked me to be ready with a few words.”

  “All right, then.” We didn’t kiss, so we wouldn’t smudge, but I held her hands. But then there was a knock. Sergeant Felist let someone in.

  “Princess Darfelsa, they’re opening the doors to the public.”

  “We’ll be right down, then,” I said, not taking my gaze from Shalendra. “You can do this.”

  “We can do this.”

  “I’m glad I’m not doing this alone.”

  “You’re not.”

  “Good.” I hooked her hand in my arm as we tur
ned to the door.

  * * * *

  We paused, facing the doors. I could hear the collected audience. I looked over at Shalendra, setting my hand atop her and squeezing for the moment.

  “I feel like I’m failing you.”

  “Not hardly.”

  “I’m supposed to be supporting you, not distracting you.”

  “You’ll be fine. Ready?”

  “No.”

  “Excellent.”

  I nodded to the guards at the door, serving as footmen. Notice was passed inside, and a moment later I heard the sound of a staff against the floor, and then Selzen’s voice. “Princess Darfelsa Cinnabar of Flarvor, Daughter of King Leander and Queen Ralifta, Right Hand to Crown Princess Ahlianna! Her escort is Shalendra Robella. The Princess!”

  I tugged, and we strode through the doors. The room was as full as it had been the previous week, or so I judged. Excepting for having Shalendra on my arm, I entered how I always did, climbing the rear stairs onto the dais and then moving about the stage, letting everyone have a good look at us.

  Finally, I brought Shalendra to her seat and bade her to sit. Then I risked our makeup and brushed a cheek with her. “I love you,” I whispered. “Thank you for being here.”

  Then I straightened, stepped away from her, and turned to face the audience. I looked about. They were still making noise, although not all of them. But here and there I saw women standing beside women, holding hands and grinning quite broadly.

  I held up my hand. Selzen had a tall, steel-tipped staff, but somewhat more manageable than the halberd I had used last week. She gave it three solid thumps, and the room quieted.

  I’d had a speech prepared. In that moment, I tossed about half of it out the window, but would retain pieces. “Greetings,” I said. “Welcome to my first Open Court. Ms. Pelonden, do we have a full queue?”

  “We do, Your Highness.”

  “Very good. Before we begin, I think I should answer the question I see on a few faces. Some of you are wondering whether Ms. Robella offers an honest suit. I cannot answer for her, but I can for myself. I couldn’t be more serious. We’ll all get to hear from her in a minute.

  “Today is my first Open Court. I will help those of you I can, but I do not have Father’s full authority nor his wisdom gained from years of leading our country. Nor am I able to offer a back door to Father’s attention. If you know your petition requires Father’s attention, you should come back next week. The hope is that, by Crown Princess Ahlianna and I holding our own sessions of Open Court, that the queue to see Father next week will be more manageable.”

  “We know you’ll do the best you can, Princess!” someone yelled from in back.

  There was laughter, even a small bark from me. “Thank you for your confidence,” I called back. I looked around for a moment. “Ms. Robella is a little nervous.” I gave another little laugh. “She’s not the only one. But she’s nervous, so we’re going to be kind to her.” I looked around pointedly, but then I turned. “Ms. Robella.”

  Then I stepped to her and offered a hand to stand. Again, I brushed cheeks with her. “I love you,” I whispered again, the only thing I could think to say, before leading her forward three steps. Then, rather than sitting, I stepped away, leaving her alone.

  Portions of the audience were applauding and making noise. I didn’t hear any boos or other signs of disquiet, which was a relief. I smiled and offered my own applause before holding up a hand, getting them to quiet down.

  Shalendra looked over at me. Then she looked out at everyone. “Hello,” she said, about half as loud as she needed to be. She looked down then held up her own hand, taking a moment, before lifting her chin again. “Hello,” she said again, more fully this time. “I’ve never addressed a room like this. I’m sorry if not everyone can hear me.”

  Then she looked over at me, smiling raggedly. “Princess Darfelsa is an amazing woman.” She turned back. “Some of you, perhaps all of you, agree with me. Maybe not everyone. A year ago, I knew her no better than most of you do. In the last months, I’ve had my opportunity to get to know her far better, and if you think she’s amazing from out there, I’m sorry you can’t all know her in private. She is truly, truly amazing. Please, may we have three cheers for Princess Darfelsa.”

  They cheered me loudly. I smiled and then offered a deep curtsey to the audience before standing back up.

  Shalendra waited for them to quiet again. “I’m nervous,” she admitted again. “I don’t really understand my duty here, except for this: I am here to support our Princess. And I will do the best I am able.”

  At that, I stepped to her. She offered both her hands. We brushed cheeks one more time before I led her back to her seat, then took mine.

  She set her hand on my arm, and then I said, “Let us begin, Ms. Pelonden.”

  * * * *

  The first petitioner was an elderly gentleman who asked, “Princess Darfelsa, can you tell us of the situation in Gandeet?”

  “I can try. I imagine you have special interests there, Mr. Becksten.”

  “My wife likes some of the food we import from them, and there have been shortages.”

  “Ah. Is your wife here today?”

  “No, Your Highness.” He looked around. “She isn’t much for crowds, Your Highness.”

  “Well, tell your wife that our relationship with Gandeet is now as strong as it has ever been. I can’t promise there will be no shortages of particular goods, as everyone knows how planting seasons work. But any future shortages will be due to the vagaries of the weather, and not caused by trade disputes. I can’t promise that, but I am as sure as I could be.”

  “Thank you for answering, Your Highness.”

  “You are welcome, Mr. Becksten. I wonder if there are others in the room with related, but perhaps not identical concerns. If so, speak up, and let’s handle those questions all at once.”

  Two hands went up, and a man moved forward through the crowd. “Those with hands up, please step forward where I might see you. Join Mr. Becksten, if you would.” Soon, I was facing not three but four more people, including a man and woman holding hands. “You, on my left.” I gestured. “What is your name, and what can I answer.”

  “Samsien Restari, Your Highness.” He gave a little bow. “This is my wife, Azariah. My wife’s family is from Gandeet.”

  “How long have you lived in Flarvor, Ms. Restari?”

  “Twenty years, Your Highness.”

  “I hope you like it here,” I said. “I very much enjoyed my visit to Gandeet. What can I do for you?”

  “When we visit Azariah’s family,” explained the man. “There are so many fees. It becomes expensive for us. It didn’t used to be so bad. Is it going to go back to the way it was?”

  “Ah. That wasn’t something I directly addressed, but it was an issue I raised. The Gandeetian government knows I was dissatisfied, but Lord Whitedale may or may not negotiate new terms. It’s too soon for me to nudge him, but here’s what I want you to do. If the situation doesn’t improve, then I want you back here in about a year, and ask again. Nudge me, and I’ll nudge him.”

  They smiled. “We will, Your Highness.”

  I addressed the remaining issues, and the five of them stepped away, making room for the next petitioner.

  It was during the introduction for the fourth that I knew I’d have to refer this one. I listened to the explanation then said simply, “I’m sorry, but that’s an issue for my father.”

  “Could you talk to him for me, Your Highness?”

  “If I understood as well as necessary, I could,” I said. “But you would be better served talking to him directly. You understand the intricacies far better than I do, and I would do a poor job representing you. I’m sorry.”

  He looked frustrated, but so was I. I had already told people I wasn’t a back door to Father, but I wasn’t surprised someone had tried, anyway.

  The next petitioner was quite different. Well, the next two, as it was a couple,
two women. They stepped forward together, holding hands, but they offered curtsies before standing. Ms. Pelonden only said, “With a personal request.”

  “What can I do for you, Ms. Admys and Ms. Elro?”

  The two exchanged looks, and then Ms. Elro asked, “Could you marry us, Princess?”

  The room broke out in a buzz, which I ignored. I stared. “Right now?” I squeaked.

  “That wasn’t what we had in mind,” Ms. Admys said. “We have a celebration planned.”

  I had been leaning forward, but I sat back, and then I collected my tea. It had grown chilled, but I sipped at it anyway.

  “If that is too much,” added Ms. Admys, “do you think you could offer your blessing?”

  I thought as quickly as I could, then I stood, leaving Shalendra in her seat, pressing a hand to her arm as an indicator. I stepped forward and looked down at the two women, their hands clasped tightly together. “For those wondering, this request is entirely legal. These two women may legally marry.” I looked around and came to a decision. “When?”

  “We hoped for the evening, three weeks from tomorrow.”

  “Ms. Pelonden, do you have my schedule handy?”

  “You are scheduled for the theater with… one of your suitors.” The way she said it meant it wasn’t Shalendra.

  “Can that be moved?”

  “It’s a short run,” she replied. “But I should be able to make arrangements.”

  “Please do so,” I told her. “Who is scheduled as my escort?”

  “Ms. Olarora.”

  “Please send her a note with the change, and ask if she would prefer to change nights with me or attend a wedding.”

  “Of course, Your Highness.”

  I smiled down at the couple, now positively beaming at me. “I have the authority to officiate a wedding, but I have never exercised that authority. I’m not sure I know what to do.”

  “We were going to use a clerk of the court,” explained Ms. Admys. “They have a standard text they read.”